I replaced my old car charger with this Qi2 device - for less than $20
Source: ZDNet
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe wireless car charger normally retails for $25 on Amazon.
- It’s a reliable, high‑speed wireless charger with a clamp or an adhesive mount.
- You do have to supply your own 12 V‑to‑USB‑C car adapter.
Do you love your current in‑car wireless iPhone charger but are frustrated by its slower speed compared to a cable? You need an upgrade to a next‑gen Qi2 charger. The ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe car mount charger is one of the best options on the market, and it’s on sale for $19.
Also: I finally found a MagSafe car charger that handles bumpy roads (and it’s on sale)
ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe car charger tech specs
- Provides Qi2‑certified, 15 W MagSafe iPhone charging.
- The powerful ring of magnets has 1,600 g of holding force to keep your phone securely in place.
- Mountable on your car’s air vent or dashboard.
- Easily switches between portrait and landscape modes.
- What’s included: MagSafe Car Mount Charger, air‑vent mount, dashboard anchor, 3.3‑ft (1 m) USB‑C to USB‑C cable, USB‑C to USB‑A adapter (car charging adapter not included).
The charging head is compact but powerful. — Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET
Note: To get the full 15 W output you’ll need a car charger capable of at least 9 V/2.25 A. A cheap but good option is a 2‑pack for only $10:
LISEN 12 V/2.4 A Car Charger (2‑pack)
Or, if you want a high‑power charger that can also charge a MacBook Pro:
Baseus 65 W USB‑C Car Charger
The Qi2 wireless charging standard enables full 15 W charging speeds from non‑Apple MagSafe chargers, giving you magnetic convenience without the slow‑charging frustration.
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The charger offers two mounting options: a vent clamp and an adhesive mount that uses high‑quality 3M adhesive for a secure dashboard attachment. Both methods proved reliable in testing.
The charger’s adhesive mount. — Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET
Evaluation criteria
- Ease of installation: The two mounting options make setup straightforward.
- Performance as advertised: The charger consistently delivers its promised 15 W output.
- Reliability: After several hundred miles of use, the unit shows no signs of overheating or failure.
The vent mount is one of the best on the market. — Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET
This wireless charger has impressed me enough to replace my older ESR charger, which served me well for over a year.
ZDNET’s buying advice
The ESR Qi2 15W MagSafe car charger is as close to perfect as wireless car chargers get. It’s sturdy, the magnets hold the iPhone securely, and the vent or adhesive mounting options provide great flexibility. At just $19, it’s an absolute steal.